People with dementia have short attention spans and become easily irritated while waiting, so have all your supplies ready to go. Large plush towels and baby washcloths are more comfortable against older skin. A colorful towel placed on the bath seat can reduce a person's fear of getting into the tub, as it helps the person see clearly where to sit. A bath mat on the floor by the tub makes the floor warmer to stand on and helps absorb any spills. And, of course, you'll want a non-slip mat or strips inside the tub.

Place large-lettered labels on bathing products to help the person identify items. Make sure to use a mild cleansing soap to minimize skin irritation and dryness. Finally, remove all unnecessary items, including bottles and razors, to reduce distraction – especially if the person is obsessed with details.

Once all the supplies are ready, the next step is to get the room ready. Warm up the room beforehand, as many older individuals become quite upset by cold and drafty spaces. Close any open windows and turn off the air conditioning. Consider replacing the ceiling light with a combination ceiling light and heat lamp, which makes a bathroom warm and cozy. Or, turn on a portable space heater for a few minutes, but be sure to remove the space heater or place it in a safe location, away from flammables and walkways. If you have a separate shower stall, make sure to open the door so that space gets warmed up too. And closing the bathroom door while the person is showering will help keep out cold drafts – and keep the person happier.

Next, check the water temperature. Water that is too cool or too hot can trigger agitation – and extremely hot water can cause burns. Water temperature around 98° to 100° is comfortable for older adults. Use a bath thermometer or the back of your wrist to test the water.

Setting a relaxing and pleasant mood can really help. Put on the person's favorite music – before the person enters the bathroom. Just watch the volume level; if it's too loud, the person will not be able to hear you – and loud music can be a stressor, too. If it helps, try singing – some caregivers have great luck with "singing baths" – singing songs solo or together is a great way to have fun and get the bath accomplished.

Entering a fragrant room can help the person relax, too. Choose natural fragrances over chemical room fresheners as some research has shown relaxation benefits from ingredients in natural oils. Try spraying the room with a citrus, pine, lavender, or spice scent. Start with a light spray to see if it's a fragrance the person will enjoy. Be careful of bathing oils however, as they make the bathtub quite slippery.